Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX), announced that Levett Engineering has delivered their first engine components that will be installed into F135 engines for the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Levett Engineering, a precision component manufacturer located in Adelaide, South
Australia, was awarded a contract in 2008 to manufacture second and third-stage turbine vane tubes and covers for the F135 engine.

"We have a truly global supply chain strategy for the F135 engine, and Levett Engineering is a key supplier for the program in Australia," said Howie Chandler, vice president, Military Engines, Business Development at Pratt & Whitney. "The success of the F135 program relies on companies like Levett Engineering to provide high quality products at competitive prices."

"We are only in the early stages of our partnership with Pratt & Whitney, but we're looking forward to a relationship that will extend well into the future," said Paul Levett, managing director, Levett Engineering. "Our contribution to the F135 engine helps ensure jobs and technology-know how remain an essential part of our local industry, and a key support to the needs of the Australian Defence Force."

The installation of the first Australian-manufactured F135 engine components marks a significant milestone in the program. Australia is an international partner in the F-35 Lightning II program. Delivery of the first Australian F-35 aircraft is anticipated in 2014 with the first engine delivery to Lockheed Martin planned for later this year.

The F-35 will replace aging fourth-generation aircraft for Australia and partner countries with an affordable, sustainable, and highly capable fifth-generation aircraft. The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries – Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States – as well as two foreign military sales – Israel and Japan.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft
engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies Corporation, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in the U.S. Government funding related to the F-35 and F135 programs, changes in government procurement priorities and practices or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.